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Bevacizumab Injection (BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • eye disease
  • eye
  • cancer

Brand Name(s): Avastin, Mvasi, Zirabev

Generic Name: Bevacizumab, Bevacizumab-awwb, Bevacizumab-bvzr

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given over 90 minutes.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 6 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • headaches
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • severe back pain
  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest or jaw pain
  • cough that does not go away
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • dizziness
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • high blood pressure
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • mood changes
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • red, peeling or blistering skin
  • difficulty speaking
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.